When Dreams Come True

I am so excited!!! Over the last two weeks the vista of our farm has been transformed. WE HAVE A BARN!!! Something we have been wanting since we bought the farm.

As garlic growers one of our challenges each year has been finding space for the garlic to cure for several weeks after it comes out of the ground. The space needs to be dry, out of direct sunlight and have good airflow. We have been very innovative over the last few years to accomplish this, but as our crop size increased each year it became more and more apparent that what we needed to do it right was a barn.

I thought about making this a post about the entire process – including why township ordinances prevented us from building a barn and how we overcame that obstacle, securing the funds, finding a builder, etc… I instead decided just allow you to share in our excitement and give you a photo tour.

On June 14 my husband hung the building permit as the builders (JP Construction)started working. Woo Hoo!!!

The site as the work was just beginning.

Drilling into the ground where the footings would be set. The footings are set 48 inches underground.

At the end of the first day all of the posts were set. The rest of the boards that are up are acting as bracing.

I wasn’t around much for the actual building but each evening I would check it out and photograph the progress. Little by little our dream was becoming reality.

Various stages of construction – getting closer every day.

View from the loft looking toward the front of our property. This photo was taken before the barn was finished. The 2×4 boards that were bracing the barn have now been removed and we have an unobstructed view.

View from the dormer over looking our pond.

Arriving at the farm.

View from the back of the barn.

The work crew. A job well done. 🙂

My husband has been working on putting in the gravel floor and there are a few finishing touches that we will add, but the barn was finished none too soon, as we will be digging garlic in July and we now have the perfect place to hang it for several weeks while it cures.

When garlic comes out of the ground the skins are moist and difficult to peel off. They need to be hung for several weeks so the skins dry out throughout the bulb. They will then be easier to peel and the garlic will keep longer as well.

I probably should have a picture of my husband and myself to show how happy we are. One day one of the builders asked me if I had a permanent smile – I just said “We have been waiting so long for this.” I think the builders felt good to know how happy it made us.